A Minimalist Space Strategy

Platforms: Android, iOS

Auralux: Constellations is one of the most captivating games I've played so far and as far as I can remember, the only game that persuaded me to do in-app purchases (which I couldn't do anyway because I'm poor). The game combines space wars and strategy games, replaces the elaborate RTS elements with minimalistic units, and with the help of smart game design creates an awesome and addictive game to play.

The game play is simple. You start with a planet with two or more opponents occupying other planets. A planet generates specks of light called units. Units are the only troop to control and they have three objectives: upgrading a planet, defeating enemy units and expanding to new planets. You win when none of your enemies are occupying any planets.

Don't be fooled by this over simplistic game play. The exclusion of zillions of unit types, building upgrades and complex commands made way for an emphasis on pure strategy. Along with that, the game throws at you with strategy elements like black holes and supernovas as you progress through levels. The sad part is, most of the higher levels need to be purchased. 

There's also a multiplayer option where you can play with your friends or random people on the internet.